No sign of the Avanza, though.
When Toyota launched the third-generation Avanza in Indonesia just over three months ago, the automaker also took the covers off the sportier, more upmarket version of the compact MPV called the Veloz. This model has now been launched in Thailand, where it is offered in Premium and Smart variants. The former is priced at 875,000 baht (around RM112,420) while the latter goes for 795,000 baht (RM102,140).
Styling-wise, the Veloz sets itself apart from the Avanza with a different front end design that appears to be much more pronounced. Here, the hexagonal grille is divided into two parts, with the upper grille sporting a Y-pattern mesh insert and the Toyota logo, and the lower grille filled with vertical slats. Right under the lower grille is a skid plate, something the Avanza doesn’t have.
Further distinguishing the Veloz from the Avanza are sharper looking headlights, T-shaped chrome trims and triangular fog light surrounds. At the rear, you’ll see a more aggressive bumper design and a light strip that stretches almost the entire width of the tailgate. Being the range-topping variant, the Premium comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, while the Smart makes do with 16-inch wheels.
Built on the Daihatsu New Generation Architecture (DNGA), the Veloz measures in at 4,475 mm in length, 1,750 mm in width and 1,700 mm in height. It has a 2,750 mm wheelbase and a ground clearance of 205 mm.
Slight changes are also found in the cabin, where the Veloz features a two-tone (black and grey) synthetic leather/fabric upholstery that has a more premium look. The centre tunnel has also been completely redesigned to create more storage space.
Creature comforts include an Optitron speedometer with a 7-inch multi-info display (MID), a 9-inch touchscreen with voice recognition for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charger, LED ambient lighting, automatic air-conditioning with rear vents and electrochromic rear-view mirror.
As for the powertrain, the Veloz is only available with a sole engine choice of a 1.5-litre 2NR-VE petrol engine that makes 106 PS at 6,000 rpm and 138 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm. Power is sent to the front wheels via a D-CVT, which replaces the 4-speed conventional automatic previously offered. Just as a refresher, in addition to this engine, the Avanza is also available with a 1.3-litre 1NR-VE petrol engine with 98 PS and 121 Nm.
Standard safety features include vehicle stability control, traction control, hill-start assist, blind spot monitor, rear-cross traffic alert and six airbags. The Premium gets the Toyota Safety Sense suite of safety systems, which adds Pre-Collision System (PCS), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Front Departure Alert and Pedal Misoperation Control.
Whether or not the Veloz makes it way to our shores remains to be seen but the Avanza, which was last updated back in 2019, does need a replacement. The question is: will UMW Toyota Motor bring in both the Avanza and the Veloz, or just the Veloz, just like what Thailand is doing?
It’s worth noting that the new Avanza serves as the basis for the Daihatsu Xenia, which is heavily rumoured to spawn the next-generation Perodua Alza.
